Archaeological Site and Museum of Kerameikos

About the museum

The Kerameikos was one of the largest demes of ancient Athens and the place from which the procession of the Eleusinian Mysteries set out from the Sacred Gate. Here stands the Dipylon, the most imposing gate of the ancient city. The name comes from the workshops of the potters, who settled on the banks of the Iridanos.

From the Early Bronze Age (2700–2000 BC) the area was used as a burial ground and gradually became the most important necropolis of the city; its use continued until the 6th century AD. The archaeological site covers an area of about 38,500 square metres.

The museum is located within the site and houses exhibits of almost exclusively funerary character from the excavations of the German Archaeological Institute. The first small collection was housed in 1863 in a guardhouse of the site; the present building was erected in 1936–1938 with the sponsorship of G. Oberlander, and the new permanent exhibition was inaugurated in 2004. In 2026 upgrading works were completed at the site, with a new entrance, accessible routes and a building with a refreshment kiosk and a shop.

Highlights

• The Dipylon, the main gate of ancient Athens
• Grave stelai and statues of the ancient necropolis
• Grave monument of the horseman Dexileos
• Museum with funerary finds from the German excavations
• Upgraded site with accessible routes

Permanent exhibitions

• Μουσείο Κεραμεικού – Grave stelai, statues and grave goods from the excavations of the Kerameikos, arranged in chronological sections.
• Αρχαία νεκρόπολη και Δίπυλο – A walk through the archaeological site with the Dipylon, the Sacred Gate and the funerary monuments of the ancient necropolis.

Founded

1938

Operated by

Εφορεία Αρχαιοτήτων Πόλης Αθηνών

Admission & discounts

Free admission: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October, and every first and third Sunday of the month from 1 November to 31 March.

The ticket is valid for the archaeological site and the museum. The categories of free and reduced admission are set by the Ministry of Culture.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

After the works of 2026 the site has universally accessible routes and toilets.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

After the upgrading works there is a second entrance and exit from Agion Asomaton Street.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Multipurpose building with a refreshment kiosk, a shop and a rest area in the entrance area.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.